I have everything on order but the Crank Main bearings... seems to be a bit of confusion on pricing from my general sources (AB and RN in the states) for Rover stuff. Luckily I'm rebuilding this buick 215, so i've been able to source "other" parts much cheaper. But with these Main bearings... I've got the later motor (36dxxxxB) so i pulled out the main center bearing (#3) with only the top thrust shell. There seems to be 1 billion percent mark up on these (assuming very specific low production numbers jacking the price). My question to the group... Can I use the EARLIER 3.5/3.9 bearings with the thrust shell on top and bottom?? Assuming it was for the added protection from the 5spd trans push, and mid-late 95 switched to auto trans (which is mine). But rotational clearance is there... and issues known? and can it be done? Way easier to source the early dual thrust shells, and WAY cheaper.

You can use the earlier bearings but the middle main bearing cap is not machined for the thrust bearing. Instead, you will need an extra plain bearing shell for the middle main bearing cap. See [realsteel.co.uk] for info (Page 1, bottom right corner). The part number is unfortunately shopīs own but I do have a new 3,9 block and IIRC I did buy bearings for that block. I will check if I can find the bearings and correct part numbers. I donīt think that the plain shell is in any way special, probably the same as other main bearing shells.

OK, I checked my block (acc. to block ID a Morgan item) but it has old style main bearings with two thrust shells. Funny thing since it has provisions for main cross bolts and actually has been machined for cross bolts. Anyway, it has new old Clevite bearings dated year 1997, mains are MB-3135P and thrusts are MB-2075P. These are your typical 3.5/3.9/4.2 litre bearings and Clevite carries them as MS-558P set.

But, the same bearings were used in other makes, the MB-3135P shells were used in Chevy 250 cid inline six (Clevite MS-617P set). They should be dirt cheap. Thrust bearings are a bit more dififcult, acc. to Clevite catalogue only used in 215 V8 and GMC 198 engine.